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For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, there are complexities that impede fairness within the criminal justice system. One complexity is competency to stand trial. Competency measures a defendant’s ability to understand the case against him and assist in his defense. If he is found incompetent, his criminal case cannot be continued until his competency…

Since the passage of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, over 90% of states have enacted enabling legislation, federal agencies have been drafting regulations and issuing guidance, and three new bills have been introduced at the federal level. And, just this month, two states launched the first ABLE programs in…

LIFE, ANIMATED is the story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. The film follows Owen as he enters adulthood and takes his first steps toward…

The future for people with autism will be built on the foundation of how services and supports are structured and funded. Those decisions happen at the local, state, and federal level, and by taking action as an informed advocate you will shape the future of programs like Medicaid and Social Security! Sign up for our…

The Arc’s Center for Future Planning® (CFP) supports and encourages people with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families to plan for the years ahead. One of the primary ways the Center accomplishes this is through the Build Your Plan® tool, launched in November 2015. This interactive tool enables families to develop a future…

On October 26, 2015 the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) published its 2015 Report to the President titled Leveling the Playing Field: Improving Technology Access and Design for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The report describes the critical and increasing role of technology in enabling individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) to have greater control over…

Here is the forty-third video in our Autism NOW Answer Series, embedded below. The previous videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel. Give it a watch and think of what questions about autism and other developmental disabilities you want answered. You can ask us by filling out our simple form. We look forward to your questions!